Spellbound

by Jess Townes, Jennifer Harney (Illustrator)

A funny, fresh twist on new-sibling relationships and the magic of love.       
Willow's world is perfectly magical, until Rowan is born. When her new baby brother seems to enchant everyone he meets, Willow becomes convinced he is an actual, real-life wizard. Can Willow put a stop to his hocus pocus, or is Rowan's magic too powerful to resist?
 
Author Jess Townes brings fresh and expressive writing that's sure to appeal to young children, while illustrator Jenn Harney's unique and colorful art style brings this wonderful, whimsical story to life.
 

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Magic, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published June 21, 2022

Reviews

[Rosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awwww!! This is so cute! 😍😍😍

Willow is a little magician who enjoys her life with her parents and her pet bunny. But her charming idyll gets ruined with the arrival of her baby brother Rowan. He seems to have “cast a spell” on her family members, such that her own magic doesn’t work on them anymore. Will Willow be able to free everyone from Rowan’s magic?

I simply loved the story. It reflects Willow’s insecurities as an elder sibling. It also shows how she could solve the problem by being open to Rowan rather than shutting him off. I hope the book also teaches a lesson to adults that elder siblings need special attention when there’s a new baby in the house. Turning them away damages their self-confidence and they might resort to hurtful behaviour.

The language used is so intelligent. While it is simply enough for kids to understand, it is peppered with magical words, lending an additional charm to the story. I would have loved to see a few pages of Willow bonding with Rowan but the book’s pretty good as it is too.

The illustrations are absolutely adorable. I simply loved each and every page for its vibrancy and ‘magical’ appeal.

In short, the book left me “spellbound.”

4.5 stars.
(Why only 4.5? Because I wanted more at the end!)

Heartily recommended to every newly-minted elder sibling.

My thanks to Union Square Kids, Sterling Publishing, and Edelweiss+ for the DRC of “Spellbound”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.



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[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*My 200th ARC from NG*

4.5 Stars

Willow lives in a magical world with her parents and pet rabbits, having loads of fun. She has their full attention as she performs her magic tricks. But soon, Rowan, her baby brother is born, and it appears that he is a powerful wizard. The adults, including Willow’s favorite granny, are mesmerized by the child.

Willow tries to end his magical control over others by using her magic. Does she succeed, or does she learn a new life lesson?

The book is a magic-themed take on sibling relationships and how the elder child feels when a new baby arrives at home. The ending is, of course, beautiful, with Rowan charming Willow with his love for her.

The language is simple and sprinkled with cute magical words that add to the charm. Kids will love using these spells in real life. 😉

I love the illustrations. Willow’s family lives in a forest (looks like a huge true house to me). The background is in shades of green- vibrant and colorful. The characters are rough sketches filled with colors. Willow’s golden hair looks super adorable with purple lines.

The overall effect is whimsical and magical. Spellbound indeed.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Union Square Kids - A subsidiary of Sterling Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

#Spellbound #NetGalley

[Schizanthus Nerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willow is a magical only child who’s used to having her family’s undivided attention. Then Rowan is born and Willow’s family fall under his spell.

Willow does everything in her power to avoid succumbing to Rowan’s wizardry.

But Willow knew her spells wouldn’t last forever.
If she wanted to stop Rowan, she had to take away his magic.
And she knew just how to do it.

I felt bad for Willow. She’s jealous of her new sibling and the adults around her are so besotted with Rowan that they ignore her. The only attention she gets is negative. When she’s not behaving badly, it’s almost as if Willow has perfected a vanishing act.

Willow ultimately discovers that siblings aren’t so bad after all but it’s probably just as important for parents to read this book so they’re reminded to be sensitive to the feelings of their children when new members are introduced to the family.

Jennifer Harney’s illustrations were really cute. The colour palette is lovely, with plenty of yellows and purples. I loved the way magic was portrayed and could definitely see myself living in Willow’s home amongst the trees.



Thank you so much to NetGalley and Union Square Kids, a subsidiary of Sterling Publishing, for the opportunity to read this picture book.

Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com

[Mary Bronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this was a beautifully illustrated picture book about a young girl who was the magic of her family. She acted like a wizard by "casting spells" all around her and her parents and they loved her for it. Then her baby brother was born and in her mind everyone loved him more. She thought he casted this spell over them to forget about her and her magic. I think this is a great story for children who are just about to big brothers or sisters. To show that parents love both children equally. I might seem like they don't, but it is just babies need a little bit more.

[Charlotte Offsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow's family is enchanted with her and her magic but things begin to shift when her younger brother Rowan is born. Willow realizes that Rowan must be a wizard who has put her family under a spell and needs to be stopped. She sets out to change things but discovers along the way that Rowan's magic may not be so bad after all. A heartwarming magical twist on a new sibling that is perfect for expanding families.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow's magic has always worked with her family. When her new brother, Rowan, arrives Willow's spells seem to fail while Rowan has everyone else mesmerized. Deciding her baby brother is a powerful wizard that needs to be stopped, Willow casts a spell that lands her in some trouble. But it also allows her to spend some time with Rowan, and really get to know the magical side of him. Jess Townes's debut picture book explores the new feelings that come with the arrival of a baby and celebrates the joy of siblings as they discover each other's magic.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone is spellbound by the new arrival.

[Riley]

Supes cute if you need a book for a kid that’s jealous of their new baby sibling getting all the attention

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

New sibling tales are a common theme in picture books. And I've had the pleasure to read quite a few cute ones. But Spellbound is my new favorite take on the 'trials' and 'tribulations' of a new sibling coming along and taking away the attention the oldest child is used to receiving. Willow lives with her family in an awesome looking treehouse in a forest. She loves to share her magic with her family. Magic potions, transformations, and carrots from her hat for her bunny, Houdini are all received with delight. Until her little brother, Rowan arrives. Rowan seems to have magical powers himself, mesmerizing mom, 'talking' to dad, and 'hypnotizing' grandma. Despite Willow's best efforts to stop Rowan's magic, she's unable to win back her audience. After a final attempt to end her brother's mesmerizing magic, Willow finds herself 'thrown in the tower with the little wizard'. Can she resist Rowan's magic or is his magic a little too strong? The adorable illustrations will inspire all kinds of smiles as young listeners/readers follow Willow's story. The inclusion of 'magic' makes the book all the more appealing. A wonderful read aloud in the making with lots of fun details. I found myself laughing out loud on more than one occasion. Full of magical details and delightful word play, this book is a winning read all the way around.

[Debra Shumaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun, enchanting new book on the major sibling dilemma—how life changes when a baby brother or sister joins the family. In SPELLBOUND, Willow is the magical apple of her parents' eyes and she savors being the center of their world. But when little Rowan arrives, it all changes. Her parents seem more enchanted with him and Willow is convinced he is an evil wizard. While she tries to break his spells, will she be swept in his magical charm? Gorgeous, lyrical text paired with equally gorgeous illustrations will entice readers of all ages—especially those with new sibling arrivals.

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Our book today is Spellbound: An Enchanting New Arrival, written by Jess Townes and illustrated by Jennifer Harney, a twist on the classic new baby sibling tale.

Master magician Willow has a perfectly magical life – a loving mom and dad, a beautiful house in the woods, and a faithful pet bunny named Houdini. Willow’s own magic is undeniable: she holds her parents spellbound with her tricks, potions, and transformations. That is, until her baby brother Rowan is born. Suddenly, Willow finds that her spells and charms are being countered by Rowan’s mesmerizing, and perhaps even wizardly, powers. Willow will have to find a way to combat her baby brother’s sorcery, before she falls victim to it herself!

A fresh and magical twist on a classic narrative. Both Harney’s colorful, energetic artwork and Townes’s wink-and-nod text skillfully manage to create a metaphor for the charms of children as magic, while straddling whether Willow and Rowan’s magic is “real.” This metaphor and the ambiguity in the way it is presented makes for a great way to explore that tricky adjustment from only child to older sibling, and Willow is well-written as me sympathetic, even when she is in the wrong (such as when she naively tries to garner attention by taking Rowan’s binky). Add in a heartwarming ending and a great length for storytime, and this makes for a great read. We both really liked this one, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Carolyn Bragg · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a delightfully illustrated book that misses the mark. I wanted SO much to give this five stars, but it perfectly shows how families set up their children for failure. They orchestrate all the conditions for jealousy, then wonder why the older children are hard-hearted toward the new additions (especially new babies).

Willow is a happy single child who is active and craves attention. When Rowan, her baby brother comes home, everyone "falls under his spell." Even grandma (Willow's biggest fan) starts to say hello to Willow, then ignores her for the baby.

When Willow can't get positive attention, she tries for negative attention, and barely gets that. Willow doesn't accept the baby until he is nearly 2 years-old. That's two years of unhappiness. And it isn't cute.

All of her struggles are caused by the adults, and it makes me furious! Her parents don't prepare her for the new baby, or let her help with him. And they maintain the problems by ignoring her and her unhappiness. (A child her age cannot fake being happy.) Children feel very real fears of being replaced and forgotten.

(People even follow these disastrous patterns with their pets, then are baffled by the results. Some pets become aggressive and need special training or are put down.)

I understand that this is fiction, but the real-life problem is far too common, and the children are blamed for being stubborn, mean, and unaccepting.

So, although the book is adorable--to a point--it fails to clearly show how the adults should have treated Willow all along. Shame on them! And shame on everyone who perpetuates this damaging behavior.

I cannot recommend this book unless it is corrected.

2.4/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the free preview if this ebook. The review is voluntary.

#SpellboundByJessTownes #NetGalley
#UnionSquareKids #SterlingPublishing
#JessTownes #JessTownesAuth
#JenniferHarney #JenniferHarneyIllust
#ChildrensFiction #ChildrensFictionNewBaby
#ChildrensFictionJealousy
#FictionPoorParenting
#FailuretoPrepareChildrenforAddition
#FailuretoPrepareChildrenforNewBaby

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic and imagination sparkle and shine in a cute tale about new siblings, mesmerization, and a little sharing, too.

Willow lives with magic surrounding her at all times, and her family loves to watch her create one spell after the other. Everything is wonderful until the new, baby brother arrives. He's cute and sweet...and, obviously, an evil wizard. No one notices Willow anymore, but she refuses to fall prey to his magic and give in.

This tale dances on the edge of a child's rich world of imagination and reality, making the lines wonderfully blurred enough to let fantasy play its magic. Willow is a bundle of cheer and energy as the wisps of her spells and charms swirl around her. It's fun to get caught up in her antics as she jumps from one amazing spell to the next to gain recognition from her family...until they don't notice her thanks to the new baby brother. The disappointment hits with a little confusion and subtly builds in a way readers/listeners can sympathize with and understand.

The illustrations are colorful, natural, and give realistic details, while still allowing the magic to meld right in. As Willow's troubles grow, so does the magical, purple swirl of her brother's, until her yellow magic is almost gone from the scenes. It plays right along with the text, which flows as smoothly as the spells, and creates scenes, which will be hearing the words 'again' more than once.

There tons of family love (even the grandma gets involved) and positivity. When the jealousy rises, there's never malice...just stubbornness, which readers/listeners are sure to recognize. The end is quick (very quick), tidy, and a heart-filled moment, which demands a smile.

While this book, obviously, hits readers/listeners with young siblings spot on, it's a fun tale, which will have even those without rolling in its spell. I received an ARC and enjoyed the magical spin.

[Chelsea Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow is used to enchanting everyone she loves with her spells and tricks, until she is upstaged by the wizardly charms of her new baby brother.
I am officially spellbound with the storytelling talents of Jess Townes. I loved this story about a new baby sibling who seems even more magical than our truly magical protagonist, Willow. But what I loved most was the build of genuine tension we felt for Willow in this transition from being the one and only to having to share all of her loved ones attention. You just wanted to scoop her up and take her home!
I also loved how clever the magic was woven in both as metaphor but also as a darling character trait of Willow’s that helped make us feel her spirit right away.
The tension builds nicely and how her problem is eventually resolved will tug at the heartstrings!
The illustrations are so unique and feel like they sparkle off the page!
I highly recommend for all parents!

[Karla Valenti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jess Townes' SPELLBOUND is a truly magical tale about the most human emotion of all: the need to be loved. It tackles the evergreen theme of sibling rivalry in a wholly novel way, delivering a gasp-worthy tug to the heartstrings at the very end.

Willow is a an endearing child who finds her place in the world suddenly disrupted by the arrival of an even more enchanting being - her baby brother. Struggling to retain her mesmerizing hold over her family, Willow instead loses her sense of self and belonging. A clever twist reveals not only that her nemesis is not who she thought he was, but that sometimes who we are is strengthened from living through challenging situations.

Five stars for this captivating picture book and five additional stars for Jennifer Harney whose illustrations are nothing short of magical in their own right.

[Theediscerning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fun, as well as a lesson, this book is about a young girl called Willow who thinks she is a magician, a fabulous witch able to make her parents do what she wants and feed her when she wants – but is then dumbfounded by the utterly entrancing ability her newborn baby brother seems to have. How can she possibly share the home with such a dangerous wizard? This is what I'm getting at when I review a book and see how the moral or lesson or subject of discussion outweighs all the entertainment to be had – this is a look at adapting to and accepting new siblings, as well as being something with the narrative craft of a regular storybook. Great visual quality and Willow's strong character all make this a fun way to absorb the lesson, which will as a result appear to not be there while the young reader just engages with the girl's dilemma.

[Kelly Green's Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beware! You too will be bewitched by the MAGIC in this book!

A seemingly simple story of a young girl, Willow, learning to adapt to the changes in her family with the arrival of her new brother. But is it so simple? We find that Willow is enchanted, and her new baby brother, Rowan, has powers beyond her belief. Rowan soon has the entire family under his spell but, Willow learns that Rowan's spell in one of love.

A precious tale of learning to adapt to change and the power of family. The illustrations are refreshing and remarkable. The textures and colors magically come to life, often making the reader feel they are watching an animated show.

The illustrations come to life with the magic overflowing from this book!!

Grateful to have received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley & Union Square Kids.

[Johnell Dewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching new-baby story about big sister Willow whose baby brother has her former audience utterly captivated and distracted from Willow's magic spells. Willow decides she has to keep her family from being hypnotized by this new, wily wizard and confiscates the source of his power. But his powers are overwhelming, and Willow is soon mesmerized by her little brother's best magic trick of all. The story's text is a delight to listen to and read, and will make a soothing read-aloud for bedtime or story time. The art is spellbindingly perfect for this tale, and the whole book sparkles with that extra wonder that all great picture books share. A story that parents and children can equally enjoy.

[Jessica Kulekjian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic, whimsy, wonder, and family. This picture book has it all! With stunning illustrations paired with a charming story, this book a must read.

Young Willow is used to the enchantment of her family being aimed in her direction until baby brother, Rowan, is born. Willow decides she must save her family from being mesmerized by the baby who she believes is a powerful wizard who has captivated everyone with his charm. Lyrical and playful writing, make me smile the whole way through the book. I adore the creative spells Willow casts and can imagine child readers will too. The little surprise at the ending leaves me hoping there are more stories in the works about the adventures of Willow and Rowan. I want to know what happens next for this magical duo. Highly recommend!

[Peggy Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow keeps her family spellbound with her magical charm. Then along comes Rowan, her new baby brother. Now everyone seems to be under Rowan’s spell and no longer charmed by Willow’s magic. Can Willow stop Rowan’s magic and save herself from falling under his spell?

Spellbound by Jess Townes (illustrated by Jennifer Harney) is an enchanting story with a new twist about the arrival of a new baby in the family. The wonderful word-play and whimsical illustrations will keep you mesmerized as you share in the magic of this story. A favorite for anyone expecting a new sibling, and a fun read for anyone!

[Becky Shillington · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this enchanting new picture book, three universal kidlit themes (new sibling, magic, and nature) are woven together through the author’s lovely lyrical writing to create a magical masterpiece. Willow’s steadfast refusal to let her new baby brother into her heart is both relatable and poignant, and the spells she casts as she tries to take away his powers are adorable and hilarious. Townes sticks the landing on this book especially well, and even the youngest readers will love the sweet, funny resolution. Townes’ writing combined with Harney’s brilliant, vibrant illustrations will leave readers SPELLBOUND as well!

[Stephanie Bearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a magical twist on the classic "new baby" story. In this book, big sister Willow is sure that her new baby brother is a wizard who has spellbound the entire family. Well, everyone except Willow, who is determined not to fall for his enchanting ways.
Author Jess Townes weaves a delightful spell for readers about family relationships and making a place where everyone is loved and can feel magical.
It's the perfect give for any child who has just been promoted to older sibling status.

[Derick Wilder · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all hope that a children’s book will capture a sense of wonder. But rarely do they deliver as thoroughly as SPELLBOUND, one of my absolute favorite new releases! Jess Townes makes the daunting seem easy, as her text seamlessly weaves the universal themes of magic, nature, and a new sibling into an enchanting tale. And Jennifer Harney’s illustrations are breathtaking, including her mesmerizing use of sparkling, ethereal swirls throughout. The adventures of Willow, her family, and their new addition will leave readers, well, spellbound!

[Ashley Belote]

Spellbound is sure to captivate audiences with its enchanting tale of magic, a new baby, and learning to adapt to change. The exciting, sparkly illustrations coupled with fun phrases to read aloud including, "Bakus Cupcakus," makes this a future favorite for parents, caregivers, teachers, librarians, and more. Be sure to watch out for Houdini, Willow’s adorable bunny sidekick who makes appearances throughout. This imaginative take on a new sibling story will delights readers and listeners of all ages. 5 stars!

[Heather Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, this was such a cute book. It is about a magical little girl whose life changes when her little brother is born. Everyone is captivated with her little brother Rowan. Willow tries her best to stop her brother from overtaking their entire family with his magic. It is a story of the jealousy of siblings and how change is hard. However, with change even better things can happen. I loved it! I hope the author writes more in the series because Willow and Rowan are just so much fun!!

Note: Received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Michal Babay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is absolutely magical! Willow is 100% relatable for all of us who have siblings. Who amongst us hasn't felt jealous and ignored when their family focuses on an adorable sibling? And who amongst us hasn't tried to whip up a magical storm in order to deal with said adorable sibling? (Well, who amongst us hasn't WISHED they could whip up a magical storm, at least!?).
This gorgeously illustrated book is so much fun for both kids AND their parents! I highly recommend this very sweet book!

[Erin Buhr · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPELLBOUND is adorable. It's the story of a little witch whose adoring parents are suddenly bewitched by the arrival of a new baby brother. It's a story any older sibling can relate to couched in a whimsically playful story about magic. I love the well chosen, well paced, brief text that works so well for reading aloud. I love the illustrations that shimmer with purples and yellows in a bright, but muted palate. SPELLBOUND is full of heart and humor. A great story for the arrival of new siblings and for a non-frightening Halloween read aloud.

[M.O. Yuksel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spellbound is a magical sibling tale about Willow whose world turns upside down when her baby brother arrives. She is convinced that he’s an evil wizard. She must resist his powers, better yet, take them away and break the spell he’s put on the rest of the family. But as she tries, Willow loses her own magical powers. A heart-touching resolution ensues.
The illustrations are stunning and other-worldly. A beautiful story that will be a favorite of readers everywhere.

[Jennifer Raudenbush · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPELLBOUND will quickly become a family favorite. It's fun, engaging, and begs to be re-read. It features Willow, an endearing character with the relatable problem of being overshadowed by her new sibling. The writing by Jess Townes has great sound and rhythm. The illustrations by Jennifer Harney are actually quite magical. And the ending offers a cute twist. It's one of my favorite recent picture books!

[Joy Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

It is a story about jealousy, and new roles, and sharing. The old sister doesn't understand why everyone's captivated by her new- born little brother, it must be because he's a dangerous wizard and everyone's under his spell. She's determined to break the enchantment, until she falls in love with him too. Very cute and sweet.